St George's Day Parade Service

On the 25th of April we held our St George's Day Parade Service where over 400 people attended with representatives present from all the emergency services, the army, sea and RAF cadet forces.  The Mayor, local dignitaries and MP's were also in attendance.  The service was a joyous and happy occasion, celebrating all that is English about St George's Day.  With two beautiful songs from the choir, rousing renditions of "Onward Christen Soldiers" and "Jerusalem", Cannon Steve provided us with an uplifting sermon.  The Finale with a wonderful  "march past" outside St John's and the Palace Hotel.  It felt an honour to be part of the event, of being English and very fortunate that so many of the Armed Services past and present have served to maintain our nation's heritage.  

World War II Veterans

St John's holds various civic and military services.  The VE/VJ Day Memorial Service is normally held in September.

We are extremely proud to be involved in this way with people who gave so much for their country many years ago and in this day and age get so easily forgotten.

How our association began started back in 2000.  When The Southend Branch of the Dunkirk Veterans was disbanded. They needed somewhere to ‘lay up’ their Standard so St John’s took it in –principally because one of the members had begun to worship at St John’s through the Lifeboat link. His name is Harold Ings and he used to work in the Lifeboat Shop. He is a Dunkirk Veteran himself.

This created something of a momentum and the other services began to happen. Stephen our Rector is the Chaplain to the Naval & Military Club.

There are several Standards of organisations which have now been 'laid up' in St John's.  The Dunkirk Veterans, The Royal Army Service Corps and the Burma Star Association have recently installed their Crest.

RNLI Carol Service

The Southend Lifeboat Station is one of the busiest in the country and is situated at the end of Southend Pier- the longest pleasure pier in the world.  As part of Stephen role as their Chaplain he is often on hand to deal with any emotional difficulties that may arise from the rescue work of the lifeboat crews. This means getting to know the crew members personally so that they may feel able to call on him. Stephen is often called upon to take services for the wider RNLI ‘family’ which includes fundraisers, other supporters and the executive of the lifeboat branch. Stephen also conducts funerals and weddings on their behalf.  Stephen has been out in the lifeboats on two occasions, both times to scatter ashes at sea.

Zimbabwe

The parish is arranging a collection of children’s toys, clothing and shoes (in good condition) f or children in Zimbabwe.   These will be sent directly to Zimbabwe by a member of St Mark’s congregation to his father who is a Pastor over there, and distributed directly to local children.

There will be boxes for these items in all the churches. For more details telephone Kim on 01702 331444

Would any children like to write to children in Zimbabwe?  Any parents of children who are

 interested, please contact Kim on the above number.